Q&A with James Laforet about the new website migration

This summer, the communications web team will be moving the faculty, department, and school/program websites into McMaster’s MacSites, followed by research centres.

In total, 38 sites will find a new home in this MPS-owned WordPress environment. We spoke to James Laforet, Website & Communications Coordinator, about the importance of the project and the benefits of the migration.

Why do you think it’s an important project?

The entry point for students, especially those who are unable to physically attend campus, is increasingly becoming digital platforms. These online portals provide a vital connection for students who may have geographical, financial, or personal constraints that prevent them from attending in person. By offering a robust online presence, institutions can ensure that all students have equal access to educational resources and opportunities. These digital entry points also serve as a lens into our faculty, allowing students to engage with their professors and peers, participate in discussions, and access course materials from anywhere in the world.

As the incoming student base becomes more web-savvy, institutions must adapt to keep up with changing technological trends. This involves not only maintaining up-to-date and user-friendly websites but also integrating the latest educational technologies and digital communication tools. By doing so, schools can provide a seamless and interactive learning experience that meets the expectations of today’s tech-savvy students. Embracing these changes ensures that educational institutions remain competitive and relevant, providing a modern and accessible education that caters to the needs of a diverse student population.

How does the migration to MacSites benefit the Faculty?

Transitioning to MacSites offers a significant opportunity to become an integral part of a dynamic and growing ecosystem. As a member of this platform, we’ll have a voice that allows us to actively participate in suggesting and implementing upgrades, such as incorporating portrait videos. Additionally, MacSites’ expanding team means more resources are dedicated to enhancing the platform, resulting in a more robust and continually evolving web presence. As MacSites grows, its enhanced capabilities and support systems will provide us with the tools needed to stay ahead of digital trends, ensuring our web presence remains cutting-edge and highly effective.

How excited are you about the upgrades?

I am genuinely excited about this project because it brings much-needed stability to our web operations. Instead of regularly triaging issues and putting out fires, we will have the opportunity to focus on evolving and upgrading our sites. This shift from a reactive to a proactive approach will allow us to make meaningful improvements that enhance the user experience and keep our digital presence at the forefront of innovation. It’s refreshing to think about dedicating our time and resources to growth and development rather than just maintenance. I am eager to embrace this transformative journey and contribute to creating a cohesive and contemporary online presence that reflects our Faculty’s values and aspirations.

What are the next steps in the project?
The next steps for our project involve a strategic and well-coordinated effort to ensure a smooth transition. We have recently onboarded two work-study students who will play a crucial role in this process. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we tackle the various tasks ahead. Our immediate focus will be on training and integrating these students into our workflow, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute effectively. Their involvement will not only help distribute the workload but also foster a collaborative environment where new ideas and approaches can flourish.

Our target is to move departments and other key areas to the new sites by the end of the summer, allowing us to start the new academic year in a completely refreshed digital environment. This timeline is ambitious but achievable with our dedicated team and clear plan of action. Over the coming months, we will work diligently to migrate content, test new functionalities, and ensure everything is optimized for launch. By the start of the new academic year, we aim to have a seamless and robust online presence that enhances the user experience for students, faculty, and staff alike. This new environment will set a positive tone for the year ahead, reflecting our commitment to innovation and excellence.

What’s the long-term future of the website?

In the long term, the future of our website looks promising as it aligns with McMaster’s brand’s refresh and the introduction of a new look and feel. This transformation is more than just a superficial update; it represents a strategic shift towards a more modern, cohesive, and user-centric digital presence. With new assets being incorporated, we will see a dynamic blend of innovative design elements and functionalities that resonate with our audience. This ongoing evolution will not only enhance visual appeal but also improve usability and engagement, ensuring that our website remains a powerful and effective tool in communicating our Faculty’s values and vision for years to come.